We love to use natural cleaners in our home. Today we’re sharing our absolute go-to frugal DIY citrus-peel vinegar cleaner. This citrus infused vinegar cleaner makes the perfect all-purpose cleaning spray for your home. It’s an all-natural cleaning product that actually WORKS! And of course, it’s super frugal to make.

A More Frugal Alternative To Commercial Cleaners

One of our foundational frugal philosophies is to “use what you have!” This recipe is no exception. How much more frugal can you get than using the peels of fruit to make an all-purpose cleaning spray? Another frugal tip that we encourage you to try is using recycled spray bottles. If you don’t have special canning jars, no problem! Just use an old pickle or jam jar. Our goal is to be as eco-friendly and zero-waste as possible, frugal friends.

Skip the Toxic Ingredients of Commercial Cleaners

Many of the ingredients in commercial household cleaners are very toxic. These products may be tough on dirt and grime, but they can also be tough on the human body. These toxic ingredients can be endocrine disruptors, have carcinogenic properties, cause lung irritation, you name it! For more in-depth information on these toxic properties, click here. 

The Power of These Natural Ingredients

Citrus fruits have both antibacterial and antiviral properties. The acid in distilled white vinegar is known to kill bacteria and viruses as well. Citrus oils are tough on greasy surfaces and leave them looking bright and shiny.

Adding some of your favorite essential oils to your citrus cleaning spray can add an extra kick as well. Thyme, peppermint, and tea tree oils contain powerful antiseptic, anti-fungal, antibacterial and anti-microbial properties. For more interesting info on the power of natural cleaners, click here.

Things You’ll Need to Make Citrus-Peel Vinegar Cleaner

• A Quart Jar or 1/2 Gallon Jar
• Distilled White Vinegar (1 gallon)
• The Peels of Several Citrus Fruits (like oranges or lemons)
• Optional:  Essential Oils, such as; thyme, tea tree, lemon, or peppermint
• Recycled 16 to 28 oz Spray Bottles (if you don’t have any handy, click here)
• All-Natural/Non-Toxic Dish Soap
• A Funnel
• Water

Directions to Make the Citrus-Peel Vinegar (Step 1)

For 1 Quart:

To a 1 Quart jar, add the peels of 2 to 4 citrus fruits. We like to use orange, or lemon, but you can use whatever citrus you like. A combination of citrus peels is also great! Lime and grapefruit peels work very well for this cleaner.

Next cover the peels with distilled white vinegar. After that place the lid on the jar. Leave the citrus-peel and vinegar combination to steep in a dark place for 2 or 3 weeks. The vinegar will become permeated and infused with the citrus oils.

For 1/2 Gallon:

Use the same directions as above, but instead of the peels of 2 to 4 citrus, add the peels of 4 to 8 citrus fruits to a 1/2 Gallon jar.

Directions to Make Citrus-Peel & Vinegar Cleaning Spray (Step 2)

1. Fill a prepared spray bottle half full with the prepared citrus infused vinegar from above.
2. Add about 1 tsp of all natural, plant-based dish soap to the bottle.
3. Finally, fill the remainder of the bottle with water. The vinegar to water ratio should be 1 to 1.
4. Shake well. The citrus-peel cleaning spray should now be ready to use!

Where to Use The Citrus-Peel Vinegar Cleaner

We have used this all-purpose cleaner on almost every surface in our home. Countertops, sinks, tubs, showers, floors, the cook stove, etc. It’s remarkably good at cutting grease, grime and soap scum! You may want to use caution on surfaces with a finish, such as marble and other stone.

Citrus Vinegar Cleaner Variations

This recipe for citrus vinegar cleaning spray is very versatile. Get creative! Here are some other simple and frugal variations of the recipes you could try:

• Have an herb garden? Try adding some fresh thyme, sage or rosemary to your citrus and vinegar infusion.
• No oranges or lemons on hand? Limes or grapefruits are great alternative citrus fruits to make DIY cleaning sprays.
• Is the vinegar smelling a little strong for your taste? Try adding some essential oils to the cleaning solution. Lemon, peppermint, tea tree or lavender are lovely additions.
• Have extra citrus peels on hand? Just keep adding those extras to the vinegar. The extra peels will just help the vinegar to be stronger.

Articles to Inspire More DIY Cleaner Ideas

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2. Simple Homemade Laundry Detergent
3. DIY Mosquito and Bug Repellent Spray

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